Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a
painful rash. It often appears as a band of blisters that wraps from the middle
of your back around one side of your chest to your breastbone and is caused by
the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles
isn't a life-threatening condition, but it can be very painful.The signs and symptoms of shingles may include:
-
Pain, burning, tingling,
numbness or extreme sensitivity in a certain part of your body
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A red rash that begins a few
days after the pain
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Fluid-filled blisters that
break open and crust over
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Itching
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Fever and chills
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Headache
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Upset stomach or abdominal
pain
An episode of shingles usually heals on its own within a few weeks, but
prompt treatment can ease pain, speed healing and reduce your risk of
complications. The three common treatments are as follow:
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High doses of an
antiviral drug to reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms.
Oral antiviral medications include acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir.
For best results, start these medications within 72 hours of the first
sign of the shingles rash.
-
An anti-inflammatory
drug to ease inflammation. Corticosteroids are occasionally used
to reduce inflammation and lower your risk of postherpetic neuralgia.
-
Pain relievers to
control pain. For relief of severe pain, narcotics may be needed.
If you suffer from shingles, Chinese acupuncture can offer complete pain relief
naturally without side effects. If you would like to pursue this form of
treatment or information, please contact Xiaoyan.
Shingles
